Police Services Technician I/II

Description

Pay Ranges

Police Services Technician I: $34.17 - $42.70
Police Services Technician II: $38.12 - $47.65

APPOINTMENTS TO POLICE SERVICES TECHNICIAN I OR POLICE SERVICES II POSITIONS WILL BE DETERMINED BY LEVEL OF EXPERIENCE.
The Police Department is currently seeking to fill one Police Services Technician l/II - Evidence position. This position performs a variety of technical and clerical duties related to the storage, protection, delivery, release, and disposition of evidence and property found and/or recovered for safekeeping. Work is performed with latitude for independent decision-making within guidelines of policies and procedures. This position involves frequent internal contacts within the department and with other City departments and frequent external contact with the public and other agencies, requiring the ability to deal with some non-routine problems within general guidelines.
Under direct or general supervision, learns and performs a variety of responsible non-sworn office, technical and field duties in support of law enforcement and the mission of the Police Department, including assisting the public at the front counter and in the field, data collection and report writing, investigation and evidence collection; and performs related work as required.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

• Has knowledge of principles and practices related to computerized inventory control.
• Is experienced with recording and preserving evidence related to the handling, storage, release and destruction of evidence and property.
• Is knowledgeable in the functions of a municipal law enforcement agency.
• Is able to prepare and maintain accurate records.
• Is organized with ability to prioritize workload.
• Writes legible, clear and concise reports and correspondence using correct grammar, punctuation and spelling.
• Performs basic math related to the accounting for large sums of money.
• Is able to identify special handling requirements for hazardous/biohazard materials.
• Is able to manage a full workload of specialized computer programs.
• Is able to effectively resolve conflict.

• Prepares and reviews detailed police reports documenting criminal and non-criminal activities; documents accident and crime scene layouts in written and graphic form;
• Provides initial non-emergency contact with the public and representatives of other agencies for the department at a public counter or over the telephone; determines the nature of the contact; provides factual information regarding services, policies and procedures, or directs the caller to the proper individual or agency;
• Word processes and enters data into multiple law enforcement computer systems; proofreads work for accuracy and completeness;
• Assists officers at crime and accident scenes by directing traffic and laying out cone and flare patterns, taking witness statements and collecting identity information; diagrams crime and accident scenes using forensic mapping equipment;
• Photographs crime scenes using 35mm, digital and video camera equipment; provides documentation and logs photographs into evidence;
• Testifies in criminal, civil and traffic court as required; purchases and maintains an inventory of Police Department equipment and supplies;
• Performs technical support duties associated with the maintenance and control of police property, evidence and supplies, following preservation and storage guidelines;
• Receives, processes, stores and inventories property and materials submitted as evidence by law enforcement staff, entering evidence and property data into computer; documents any actions taken with each property item; assists sworn officers with booking evidence;
• Responds to inquiries from law enforcement personnel and the public concerning property in custody; takes lost property reports, locating and notifying owners of found or recovered property and making arrangements to facilitate return;
• Transports evidence for forensic examination and court presentation;
• Communicates with courts on case status and evidence needed; performs other court liaison functions;
• Testifies in criminal, civil and traffic court as required regarding evidence handling procedures and chain of custody;
• Use of various data bases including but not limited to Tri-tech, Laserfiche, Odyssey, Level II to research the status of cases;
• Assists in the disposal of property through release, auction, or destruction, including contacting owners/victims to make appointments for pick-up, and locating owners of found property;
• Keeps immediate supervisor and designated others accurately informed concerning work progress, including present and potential work problems and suggestions for new or improved ways of addressing such problems;
• Attends meetings, conferences, workshops, and training sessions and reviews publications and audio-visual materials to become and remain current on principles, practices, and new developments in assigned work areas;
• Responds to questions and comments from the public in a courteous and timely manner;
• Communicates and coordinates regularly with appropriate others to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of interdepartmental operations and activities; and
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge of:
Basic functions, principles, and practices of municipal police services. Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility. Modern office administrative and clerical practices and procedures, including the use of standard office and computer equipment and applications related to the work. Business letter writing and the standard format for reports and correspondence. Principles and practices of data collection and report preparation. Business mathematics and basic statistical techniques. Record keeping principles and procedures. English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation. Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.

Ability to:
Perform technical, detailed, and responsible law enforcement support work. Understand the organization and operation of the City and of outside agencies as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities. Interpret, apply, and explain rules, policies, codes, and procedures, including police terminology and law enforcement codes. Apply the basic functions, principles, and practices of municipal police services. Respond to and effectively prioritize multiple phone calls and other requests for service. Compose correspondence and reports independently or from brief instructions. Make accurate mathematical, financial, and statistical computations. Enter and retrieve data from a computer with sufficient speed and accuracy to perform assigned work. Establish and maintain a variety of filing, record keeping, and tracking systems. Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines. Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software applications programs. Understand and follow oral and written instructions. Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing. Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and legal guidelines in politically sensitive situations. Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Minimum Qualifications

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education
Equivalent to the completion of twelfth (12th) grade

AND

Experience
Police Services Technician I: Three (3) years of general office administrative or secretarial experience.

Police Services Technician II: Two (2) years of experience performing law enforcement support duties equivalent to those of the class of Police Services Technician I. Completion of two years of college or possession of an Associate of Arts degree in Criminal Justice, Police Science or a closely related field may be substituted for the required law enforcement experience.

License

A valid California Driver’s License is not a requirement for this position. However, persons hired into this class who intend to drive their personal vehicle and/or a City vehicle as part of their job duties will be required to possess a valid California Driver’s License; alternatively, persons hired into this class could use alternative means of transportation as part of their job duties.

• College-level coursework or technical training in a field related to law enforcement and experience in dealing with the public are highly desirable
• Previous work or volunteer experience with a law enforcement or other public safety agency performing technical, detailed and responsible support work
• Ability to maintain a professional demeanor and demonstrate a helpful attitude when approached with confrontation
• Flexibility to adjust to a demanding and oftentimes rapidly changing work environment
• Ability to articulate accurate descriptions, recall events, and prepare reports using excellent grammar.

Recruitment Process

Recruitment Process:

Resumes cannot be substituted for a completed application.

Interested individuals must complete an online application and include a comprehensive resume. The most qualified applicants, as determined by screening of applications, will be invited to participate in an interview process that may consist of both written and oral portions. Oral boards are scheduled for late-February 2025. An eligibility list will be established from the interview process. Individuals will be required to pass a detailed P.O.S.T. criminal background investigation.

The City of San Ramon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex origin or disability. In accordance with Federal law, the City of San Ramon will only hire individuals who are legally authorized to work in the United States. As a condition of employment, you will be required to present proof of your identity and employment eligibility. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, should special accommodations be necessary at any stage of the selection process, please contact the Human Resources Division at (925) 973-2523.

Information contained herein, including the recruitment process, is subject to change without notice.